Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a face sheet and an absorbent body in this order, wherein the face sheet is at least one of concavo-convex or convexo-flat heat-embossed sheet and concavo-convex or convexo-flat ultrasonic-embossed sheet.

Abstract: An absorbent article that includes a first absorber. The first absorber is disposed over an excretion opening contact region in the absorbent article and a posterior region. In a width direction of the absorbent article, the first absorber is configured to be longer than a second absorber. The second absorber is not disposed in the excretion opening contact region but disposed in the posterior region. A liquid-penneable sheet is disposed farther inwardly of the skin contact surface side of the absorbent article than the second absorber over the excretion opening contact region and the posterior region. In the width direction, the liquid-penneable sheet is configured to be shorter than the first absorber.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a compressed region formed by a compressing process in an absorption layer on a side facing to the backsheet; and a plurality of pressed grooves are formed by a pressing process in the absorption layer on a side facing to the topsheet, within a region opposed to the compressed region.

Abstract: The invention provides a nonwoven fabric having good fluid drawing properties, in which fluid hardly remains, a method for producing a nonwoven fabric, and an absorbent article. The nonwoven fabric has a thickness direction and a planar direction perpendicular to the thickness direction, and includes a high density region having a higher fiber density than an average fiber density. The high density region penetrates from one side to another side in the thickness direction.

Abstract: The absorbent article provides a signal viewable from the top surface of the absorbent article which gives a perception of depth within the absorbent article. This creation of depth perception is accomplished by the use of at least two tones within a color and/or by the use of multiple tones and multiple colors operating together to create a perception of depth within the absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a substantially oblong shape, which is superior in liquid-proof performance and fitness, includes a liquid permeable top sheet, a back sheet, an absorbent body having elasticity disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, and a compressed portion compressing the top sheet and the absorbent body. The compressed portion is disposed continuously to form a protrusion in a longitudinal direction to define a substantially U shape. The absorbent portion has a low elasticity portion, disposed on one part of the absorbent body, and formed so that elasticity weakens when compression to a prescribed thickness is carried out. The low elasticity portion is disposed in the vicinity of an end protruding the most in the longitudinal direction of the substantially U shape.

Abstract: The invention provides an absorbent article that is small and that can be easily worn by a user and a method for producing the absorbent article. The absorbent article that is used in abutment against a user's body includes: an absorbent body for absorbing fluid; and an absorbent-article main body whose face on a side close to the user's body in use is joined to the absorbent body. The absorbent body has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction. One end section of the absorbent body in the longitudinal direction is undetachably joined to the absorbent-article main body, and another end section of the absorbent body in the longitudinal direction is detachably joined to a portion inside an outer edge of the absorbent-article main body. The absorbent body has a non-joined section that is not joined to the absorbent-article main body, between the joined section on a side close to the other end section and the outer edge of the absorbent-article main body.

Abstract: An absorbent article, especially an incontinence pad, having a length and a width extension, the length being greater than the width, and including absorbent core material, wherein the absorbent core material forms a central portion (6) and a pair of longitudinally extending side portions (7), the flexural rigidity of the article (1) at the side portions (7) is between 3 and 20% of the flexural rigidity of the article (1) of the central portion (6) at a location opposite the side portions (7), preferably between 4 and 15%, most preferred between 4 and 10%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent fabric for medical treatment or menstruation, and more particularly, to a convenient and sanitary absorbent article to be used as a tampon, a blood-absorbing fabric for surgery, etc. The present invention provides an absorbent article for medical treatment or menstruation, wherein a flat absorbent article is provided with removal means and is formed into a cylindrical shape. The flat absorbent article is formed by forming an absorbent layer on a liquid passage layer. The removal means is arranged to cover the liquid passage layer and the absorbent layer of the flat absorbent article in the widthwise direction, and a portion of the removal means is outwardly exposed from the flat absorbent article in the widthwise direction of the flat absorbent article. The flat absorbent article is wound in the lengthwise direction and thus is formed into a cylindrical absorbent article, thereby fixing the removal means in the cylindrical absorbent article.

Abstract: A contoured and shaped feminine sanitary device (10) comprising a substantially fluid-impermeable bottom layer (26), a substantially fluid-absorbent core (24), and a substantially fluid-permeable top layer (28), with at least one raised area (18) and at least one of back or front extensions (14,16) for facilitating and enhancing fluid absorption in certain areas and during certain activities.

Abstract: An absorbent article is defined by a pair of opposing longitudinal edges 20;22 and a pair of opposing transverse edges 24;26. An absorbent core 18 has at least a first 28 and a second 30 region, the average density of the absorbent core 18 in these first and second regions 28, 30 being lower than the average density of the absorbent core 18 surrounding said first and second regions 28;30, the first and second lower density regions 28;30 being arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal center line A of the article such that each of the first and second lower density regions 28;30 extends to the respective longitudinal edge 20;22 of the absorbent core. The distance ax varying along the longitudinal direction of the article. A minimum distance a1 is located at least in the transition 32 between the crotch portion 14 and the front portion 12.

Abstract: Absorbent structure in an absorbent article such as a diaper, pant diaper, incontinence guard, sanitary napkin, wound dressing, bed protection etc. and comprising a compressed foam material (1) which expands upon wetting, at which the foam material (1) comprises at least two integrated layers (2,3,4) having different mean pore sizes.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent product (20) such as, e.g. a baby diaper, an adult incontinence pad, a sanitary napkin or the like, includes a liquid pervious topsheet (24), a liquid impervious backsheet (26), and an absorbent core (28) positioned between the topsheet (24) and the backsheet (26). The absorbent core (28) has a liquid receiving surface directed towards said topsheet (24), and the absorbent core (28) is provided with at least one embossing (50) forming a channel for liquid drainage at said receiving surface. Preferably an acquisition layer (40) is provided between the topsheet (24) and the absorbent core (28). The acquisition layer preferably extends into the embossing (50), while a resilient absorbent member (30) is preferably provided between the absorbent core (28) and the acquisition layer (40) in the form of stripes arranged longitudinally spaced along the upper longitudinal sides of the channel (50) formed by the embossing.

Abstract: An emboss roller is provided that can give projecting-and-recess embosses to a surface sheet while uniform fiber density is realized through in an emboss roller which has a first emboss roll and a second roll formed as a set and gives projecting-and-recessed embosses by passing a surface sheet between these emboss rolls, and on the surface of the first emboss roll, a projecting portion projecting outward from a reference surface with the reference surface as a boundary and a recess portion recessed from the reference surface are provided, and the smooth reference surface is present in the periphery of the projecting portion and the recess portion, and on the surface of the second emboss roll, a projecting portion projecting outward from the reference surface with the reference surface as a boundary and meshed with the recess portion of the first emboss roll and a recess position recessed from the reference surface and meshed with the projecting portion of the first emboss roll are provided, and the smooth ref

Abstract: A tampon for feminine hygiene is provided having a longitudinal body showing in compressed condition a length and a width. The tampon includes compressed absorbent fibrous material and has an outer circumferential surface which is provided with longitudinal grooves. The longitudinal grooves are separated from each other by longitudinal ribs. A plurality of discrete indentations are arranged in the longitudinal direction and flanked by two longitudinal grooves. At least one indentation is spatially separated from the flanking longitudinal grooves. Some embodiments include a press and method for a tampon production.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a absorbent core having a plurality of first regions and a second region, each one of said first regions being arranged in spaced relationship from each of the other first regions and each of the first regions being entirely surrounded by the second region.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article has a liquid permeable liner, an outer cover, and an absorbent body disposed between the liner and the outer cover for absorbing liquid body waste. A flow control layer is disposed between the liner and the absorbent body. The flow control layer is adapted to retard the flow of liquid body waste penetrating the liner toward the absorbent body. The flow control layer has a plurality of apertures for permitting at least some of the liquid body waste that passes through the liner to flow past the flow control layer toward the absorbent body without migrating laterally outward around lateral side edges of the flow control layer.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for absorbing anal leakage, such as fecal material, blood or flatulence. The method includes positioning an intergluteal absorbent pad external to the anal orifice of a subject such that the pad is retained between the buttocks, and any discharge from the anus is absorbed by the absorbent material of the pad. The pad can have a variety of shapes, including major and minor portions that are portions of spheres or ellipsoids, or which are elongated and have cross-sections that are circular or ellipsoid. The smaller minor portion of the pad is positioned against the anal orifice to minimize pressure exerted in this sensitive area, while the larger major portion is retained in the less sensitive intergluteal space. Insertion and retention of the pad adjacent to the anus helps alleviate symptoms of the hemorrhoids, absorbs leakage, and can also be used as a reservoir to administer medication.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a liquid pervious topsheet having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion differs in structure from the second portion. The topsheet has a longitudinal centerline and a transverse centerline. The second portion has a first structurally modified zone, a second structurally modified zone, a third structurally modified zone, and a fourth structurally modified zone.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes at least one liquid-permeable layer material (105) and an absorbent structure (106), the absorbent structure (106) having the ability to expand on wetting, which entails that the absorbent structure (106) displays a first volume in dry condition and a second volume in completely expanded wet condition, the second volume being greater than the first volume. The liquid-permeable layer material (105) encloses the absorbent structure (106) so that the absorbent structure (106) is prevented from reaching complete expansion during wetting.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a topsheet and an absorbent core in facing relationship with the topsheet. The topsheet has a central region, an inner intermediate region, an outer intermediate region, and an edge region, wherein the inner intermediate region is between the central region and the outer intermediate region and the outer intermediate region is between the inner intermediate region and the edge region. The central region texture, inner intermediate region texture, outer intermediate region texture, and edge region texture differ from one another. At least one of the central region, inner intermediate region, outer intermediate region, and edge region comprises tufted fibers. The central region is on the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article having superior surface characteristics and improved absorbing ability. The absorbent article of the present invention includes a liquid permeable top sheet 10 disposed at a skin-side, a liquid impermeable back sheet 20 disposed at a garment side, and an absorbent body interposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. An apparent thickness (t2) of the top sheet 10 is 70% to 95% to an apparent thickness (t1) of the panty liner 1. The absorbent body 30 consists of a structure, in which a capillary rise height (h2) is higher than a capillary rise height (h1) of the top sheet 10.

Abstract: The absorbent article according to the present invention includes a laminate structure including cover, transfer layer, core and barrier, the absorbent core having a first central region and second region concentrically surrounding the first region.

Abstract: Tampons having a zoned apertured overwrap. The tampons can include a compressed absorbent member having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a longitudinal axis, and a body disposed between the insertion end and the withdrawal end. The body can have a perimeter disposed substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis and an exterior surface. The tampons can further include an overwrap covering at least a portion of the exterior surface. The overwrap can have a first zone and a second zone, the first zone having a plurality of apertures of a first diameter and the second zone having a plurality of apertures of a second diameter. In addition, the first zone and the second zone can be spaced apart from one another.

Abstract: An absorptive article includes a centrally high portion formed in the widthwise central portion of a napkin and made high on the side of a using face and a pair of left and right embosses formed individually on the two sides of the centrally high portion and extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the napkin. The paired left and right embosses include a first bulging emboss having its individual emboss lines so formed of curves having centers of curvature on the center side of the napkin as to form an enlarged area of the emboss spacing width and a second bulging emboss having its individual emboss lines so formed of curves having centers of curvature on the center side of the napkin as to continue to the rear portion of the first bulging emboss through an intermediate arcuate emboss formed of curves having centers of curvature on the outer side of the napkin.

Abstract: The absorbent article provides a signal viewable from the top surface of the absorbent article which gives a perception of depth within the absorbent article. This creation of depth perception is accomplished by the use of at least two tones within a color and/or by the use of multiple tones and multiple colors operating together to create a perception of depth within the absorbent article.

Abstract: Differentially densified fibrous structures, methods for making same, and processes for treating fibers used in the fibrous structures are provided. More particularly, fibrous structures comprising two or more regions, at least one of which exhibits a density that is at least 1.6 times greater than another region within the fibrous structure, methods for making such fibrous structures and non-naturally occurring fibers useful in such fibrous structures are provided.

Abstract: Differentially densified fibrous structures, methods for making same, and processes for treating fibers used in the fibrous structures are provided. More particularly, fibrous structures comprising two or more regions, at least one of which exhibits a density that is at least 1.6 times greater than another region within the fibrous structure, methods for making such fibrous structures and non-naturally occurring fibers useful in such fibrous structures are provided.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article worn about the lower torso of a wearer includes at least one pair of side panels connecting a first waist region to a second waist region forming a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. Each side panel includes a waist region, a hip region and a leg region wherein the waist region, the hip region and the leg region differs structurally, functionally and visually to provide an improved initial fit and sustained fit while exhibiting a garment-like appearance.

Abstract: An absorbent article with high fitting property and high absorptivity, where the end part is less deformed, is provided. An absorbent article comprising at least a liquid-permeable sheet, a liquid-impermeable sheet, and an absorber sandwiched between the liquid-permeable sheet and the liquid-impermeable sheet, wherein the absorber comprises a first absorbing part and a second absorbing part formed nearly on the center part of the first absorbing part and smaller in the area than the first absorbing part, and a compressed groove is continuously provided in nearly closed form to extend from the peripheral edge region in the longitudinal direction of the second absorbing part to the first absorbing part.

Abstract: An absorbent layer structure for use as an absorbent body in an absorbent article includes a first surface layer having cellulose fluff pulp, a second surface layer having cellulose fluff pulp, and an inner layer arranged between the surface layers having a mixture of cellulose fluff pulp and 5-90% by weight superabsorbent material, the cellulose fluff pulp in the surface layers having a mat strength which is lower than the mat strength in the inner layer by at least 1 N measured at a weight per unit area of 300 g/m2 and a bulk of 4.5 cm3/g or less and preferably a mat strength which is lower than the mat strength in the inner layer by at least 2 N measured at a weight per unit area of 300 g/m2 and a bulk of 4.5 cm3/g or less.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article worn about the lower torso of a wearer includes at least one pair of side panels connecting a first waist region to a second waist region forming a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. Each side panel includes a waist region, a hip region and a leg region wherein the waist region, the hip region and the leg region differs structurally, functionally and visually to provide an improved initial fit and sustained fit while exhibiting a garment-like appearance.

Abstract: An absorbent garment, such as a diaper structure, includes a visually discernible alignment indicator visible from a body-facing surface. The alignment indicator includes at least one first reference point. The absorbent garment comes with instructions defining the location of the first reference point on the absorbent article, defining the location of a second reference point on a wearer, and instructing the consumer to position the absorbent garment so that the first reference point optically aligns with the second reference point, and to fasten the absorbent garment in the position.

Abstract: Absorbent articles with waist seals are disclosed. The seals are formed from folded stacks, discrete segments, or pleated material arranged to provide a resiliently compressible seal that can be located at one or more locations within the absorbent article, e.g., along a central portion of the rear waist region of a diaper. The seals may be constructed from relatively thin materials that (through folding, stacking, pleating, etc.) can provide a resiliently compressible seal that is thick enough and appropriately shaped to conform to the wearer's anatomy well enough to provide the desired sealing. At the same, time, the continuous web material used to form the seal is preferably thin enough to be economically delivered to the manufacturing line in roll form. The seals may be provided in the form of compressed seals that expand when one or more openings are formed in a sealed cavity containing compressed resilient material.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an absorbent composite for an absorbent article, and more particularly to an absorbent composite comprising fibrous material and superabsorbent material having a Column Absorbency Under Load (CAUL) above 10 g/g. Such an absorbent composite provides a superabsorbent material having superior AUL and permeability, thereby providing improved absorption and rewetting properties. An absorbent article that contains such a composite provides improved ability to absorb and retain fluids, thus preventing excessive rewetting and leakage and making the article more comfortable to wear.

Abstract: A multi-layered web is provided that includes an elastic web bonded to an inelastic web. The inelastic web has extensible and inextensible regions arranged along the machine direction. In the extensible regions, the inelastic web is bonded to the elastic web in a creped structure that is extensible by virtue of the creping. A continuous process is provided to manufacture a multi-layer web having extensible regions that are conjoined with regions that are inextensible by varying the tension that is applied during manufacture of the multi-layer web. The apparatus comprises an elastic web that is fed into a bonding nip, into which one or more inelastic webs are also provided. The elastic web is fed into the bonding nip under a tension that is alternated between a low value that is sufficient to ensure processing stability, and a higher value that provides an elongation to the elastic web.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided that is likely to be in close contact with user's body.

Abstract: An absorbent article 10 has front 12, crotch 14 and rear 16 portions. The article has an absorbent core 18 of unitary construction and of uniform density, which is defined by a pair of opposing longitudinal edges 20;22 and a pair of opposing transverse edges 24;26. The absorbent core 18 has at least a first 28 and a second 30 region, the average thickness of the absorbent core 18 in these first and second regions 28, 30 being lower than the average thickness of the absorbent core 18 surrounding the first and second regions 28;30, the first and second lower thickness regions 28;30 being arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal center line A of the article such that each of the first and second lower thickness regions 28;30 extends to the respective longitudinal edge 20;22 of the absorbent core. The distance ax between the first and second lower thickness regions 28;30 in the transverse direction varying along the longitudinal direction of the article.

Abstract: Absorbent articles having a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between said topsheet and said backsheet are disclosed. The backsheet has a physical variation along at least one axis, wherein said physical variation defines a first backsheet zone and a second backsheet zone, and at least one elastomeric element having at least one primary direction of stretch, said elastomeric element at least partially overlapping and joined to first and/or second backsheet zone, wherein a relaxed pathlength of said elastomeric element in the primary direction of stretch is less than a total pathlength of said backsheet in the region of overlap. The physical variation is a measurable difference as measured by a physical property selected from the group consisting of basis weight, thickness and density.

Abstract: A tampon pledget is made by assembling one or more pads in a pad compression configuration, radially compressing the pad compression configuration in a traverse direction into a cylindrical form, and axially compressing the cylindrical form in a direction along a vertical axis to form the tampon pledget. In one embodiment, the axial compression is performed as a pressure is applied to at least one of a first and a second end of the cylindrical form. In one aspect of the present invention, the formed tampon pledget has an absorbent capacity as measured by the syngyna test of between about 6.0 grams to 9.0 grams and a density of about 0.4603 grams/cubic centimeter. In another aspect of the invention, the formed tampon pledget has an absorbent capacity as measured by the syngyna test of between about 9.0 grams to 12.0 grams and a density of about 0.4755 grams/cubic centimeter.

Abstract: An absorbent core for use in an absorbent product, such as a sanitary napkin, a diaper, an incontinence protection or the like. The core after compression has a material density (based on the total content of the core) of at least 200 kg/m3, preferably at least 230 kg/m3, measured at a pressure of 0.5 kPa. The absorbent core has been formed in-line as a discrete or continuous core and includes SAP-particles, where at least 99.5% of the SAP-particles have a size of maximally 600 ?m. Hereby, problems with regard to clogging of SAP-particles to compression rollers during manufacturing are markedly reduced. Further, a method for manufacturing the absorbent core, as well as an absorbent product including the absorbent core is described.

Abstract: A sweat-absorbent sheet includes a first surface layer, a second surface layer lying on the opposite side of the first surface layer and an intermediate layer sandwiched between these two layers. Each of the first and second surface layers comprises a mixture layer of first and second hydrophobic fibers made of thermoplastic synthetic resin as main constituent and first and second hydrophilic fibers. The intermediate layer comprises third hydrophilic fibers extending into at least one of the first and second hydrophobic fibers. The first and second hydrophobic fibers are bonded to the crimped to hydrophobic composite fibers mixed in the respective layers. The first, second and third hydrophilic fibers are impregnated with antibacterial or bactericidal medicinal ingredient and such medicinal ingredient is left behind on these hydrophilic fibers after these hydrophilic fibers have been dried.

Abstract: A sponge-like pad used for cleaning and other wiping and polishing applications is disclosed. The sponge-like pad is made from a plurality of textured paper webs attached together at selected locations. The paper web can be, for instance, a highly textured throughdried paper web containing high-yield fibers and a wet strength agent. In one embodiment, the stacked plies can be contained within a cover material that is liquid pervious. The sponge-like product of the present invention can be used alone or it can be incorporated into a cleaning tool, such as a mop.

Abstract: A pair of rollers 2 and 3 are provided to be opposed to each other with a predetermined distance wherein at least one of the rollers 2 and 3 is a press print processing roller 2 that has a plurality of processing projections 2a with a predetermined layout on a circumference surface, and a stripe-shaped absorbent body base 1 including an absorbent element 7 obtained by mixing at least pulp 8 with super absorbent polymer 9 is sent and transferred between the pair of rollers 2 and 3 so that at least one surface of the absorbent body base 1 has a plurality of linear pattern elements 1a provided by being squeezed by the processing projections 2a, so as to have a groove-like shape when seen from the top, and are individually spaced from one another and dispersed in a staggered manner.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes an absorbent mat between a liquid-permeable top sheet and a liquid-impermeable back sheet. The absorbent mat includes a sheet-shaped water-absorbent layer that contains a water-absorbent resin powder but that does not contain pulp fibers; and a fiber assembly layer that contains a water-absorbent resin powder and pulp fibers in this order from a top sheet side. The sheet-shaped water-absorbent layer includes a plurality of water-absorbent resin presence regions in each of which the water-absorbent resin powder is wrapped; and a plurality of water-absorbent resin powder absence regions each being formed between the two adjacent water-absorbent resin powder presence regions.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an absorbent core for an absorbent article, and more particularly to an absorbent core having zoned absorbency due to specific placement of adhesives or specific lack of adhesive. Such absorbent cores provide the flexibility of creating precise zoning of particular properties throughout the core, and they provide improved comfort and fit.

Abstract: A sanitary absorbent article is disclosed which is intended to be worn against a pudendal region of a user. The sanitary absorbent article is thin, i.e. having a thickness equal to or less than 5 mm and comprises a body contacting surface with at least one protrusion on the body contacting surface. The protrusion has a height H of at least 0.5 mm, and an equivalent width W. The protrusion also includes a ratio W/H ranging from about 2 to about 10.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a liner adapted for contiguous relationship with the wearer's body, an outer cover in generally opposed relationship with the liner, and an absorbent body disposed between the liner and the outer cover. An absorbent structure of the absorbent body has a length, a thickness, a width, a longitudinal axis and a non-uniform lateral compression stiffness across its width. The non-uniform lateral compression stiffness is such that the absorbent structure assumes a pre-determined, or non-random buckled configuration under lateral compression thereof. In one embodiment, the buckled configuration is generally symmetric about a plane normal to the absorbent structure and in which the longitudinal axis of the absorbent structure lies.

Abstract: A liquid-absorbent sheet containing: a liquid-absorbent surface material mainly containing a pulp; a liquid-absorbent nonwoven fabric; a liquid-absorbent rear material mainly containing a pulp; and a super absorbent polymer; wherein the super absorbent polymer is disposed at least between the liquid-absorbent surface material and the liquid-absorbent nonwoven fabric as an A layer and between the liquid-absorbent nonwoven fabric and the liquid-absorbent rear material as a B layer, the super absorbent polymer being contained in a total amount of 200 to 400 g/m2, which is allocated in the A layer at 30 to 50% by mass, the liquid-absorbent nonwoven fabric layer at 0 to 40% by mass, and the B layer at 30 to 70% by mass, and the content ratio of the super absorbent polymer in the A layer is less than or equal to the content ratio of the super absorbent polymer in the B layer.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a compressed groove provided on a body-side surface of a sanitary napkin includes a pair of lateral groove segments extending substantially in the longitudinal direction symmetrically about a longitudinal center line and a pair of rear groove segments converging rearward from respective rear ends of the pair of lateral groove segments so that the compressed groove as a whole presents an elongated shape which is angular rearward. The rear side groove segment has a curve conforming, in the vicinity of its rear end, with an arc of a circle having a predetermined radius and inscribed to the rear side groove segment. A bottom covering region extending rearward from the rear end of the rear groove segment has a predetermined thickness and is adapted to be folded along the longitudinal center line so that the bottom covering region can become convex on the side of the body-side surface.